The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-11-25
MIRRORS.
Interestiug1 Facts az Their Origin and
Their Present Uses.
Boots and shoes.

Boots and shoes
A few years ago when in England the writer
made a visit to Hollywood Palace and there saw
of the oldest glass mirrors in existence. still
hanging in those antique and sombre apartments
where once dwelt the unfortunate queen or
Scots. A most rudely constructed. unsatisfac-
tory article it was, and If its royal owner de-
pended upon its veracity for a correct idea OF
her personal charms she must have found 1t
difficult to reconcile its tale with those of her
hattering attendants. This famous mirror. one
of the first made Of glass with coating OF
metal was fabricated at Venice in 1900. Before
that time only polished plates of silver
or bronze We're in use. The first mirrors we
read of In history are those mentioned in the
Pentateuch as being made of brass and used by
the Hebrews; but how much earlier these
indispensable appliances of the toilet were in
1T would be hard TO say. as record OF their
twelfth to the fifteenth century pocket mirrors
were in vogue A little one worn at the belt
was an essential part of a fashionable ladys out
fit These pocket mirrors were tiny circular
discs of polished silver, nicely fitted il, small
ivory cases. which were furnished with lids,
and were often carved and ornamented in very
elaborate and costly style. Gold, silver, enamel
and other rich materials were also used in max
ing these cases, upon which were frequently
lavished the skill of the greatest masters in art
workmanship, resulting in perfect gems of artis-
tic beauty. Those worn at the girdle. and fitted
with delicately wrought handles, were also of
elegant design and precious metal. That their
use was not confined to the south of Europe is
proved by the sculptured representations of
them which are found in Scotland dating as far
pack as the seventh century IneS6 cosby
trnkets were doubtless often consulted by the
beauties of that distant day. for then. as now,
woman's face, whether no it might be her fort
une. was at least too important factor in her
life history for her to be indifferent to its ap-
pearance. Probably the light footed Indian
n1aidens whose merry laughter once resounded
through the forests and valleys paused d mo-
ment beside the clear spring where they bent
for cooling draught as they saw their brilliant
eyes and shining teeth reflected in the clear
depths. So universal is the use of mirrors now
that not hovel of the meanest description
be found whose walls do not bear at least a
fragment of cheap looking glass; while else
where meet them in the form of panels.
tifcal lakes, convex refectors and many other
adaptations otdreamed of fifty years ago. One
of the happiest and most novel of these came to
notice within few weeks AS entered
a fashionable New York shoe store
elegant glass sign, of remarkable fine workman
ship set in the form of screen and facing the
entrance. We supposed it merely served to
protect the customers from the gaze of the
throng of people constantly passing But its
chief merit was subsequently revealed when, a
few minutes later. this was
turned slightly, and the clear plate glass mirror
which formed its back made to reflect the
neatly fitted shoe.
There is at last want supplied which has
been long felt we thought, as for the first time
in our life we had chance to view our foot as
others 1T, without twisting it or our necks
out of shape in the process.